Tooling resin
 

I am wondering what is the best tooling resin for molds? Normally I use west system and a few of their fillers. I want the mold to be scratch prood and have noticed in some places it gets guauged by the razor blade when triming from flange? Do you think adding aluminum filler will help? I like the mold to last over 100 runs if possible.

Thanks,

Vic

RE: Tooling resin
 

I've had excellent results over the years with Jeffco 908SC surface coat epoxy resin with 3137 hardener. It's black and very hard... does not scratch easily and is stable at elevated temperatures. http://www.jeffcoproducts.com/

RE: Tooling resin
 

Hi Dave,

What is the price and availability of this tooling resin? I hope there is not a 3 figure minimum order, haz mat, long lead time etc……………

SG

RE: Tooling resin
 

Dave, thanks I will try that on my next mold. Vic

RE: Tooling resin
 

Ummm... price... I don't remember. The company is <20 miles from my house, so I just drove there and picked it up. Anyway, I think I got a half gallon pail of the resin and a quart (more than needed) of hardener. It was probably somewhere around $100 for both, maybe less. AFAIK, You should not have to pay haz mat shipping fees on it, believe it or not, since most of their products are DOT non-regulated. The 3137 HT hardener might have get a fee tacked on (not sure), but there are other hardeners (like 3102, 3156 and 3179) if you don't need a 350°F service temperature. Shoot them an e-mail (or even a phonecall or FAX) and I'm sure they'll help you out.

RE: Tooling resin
 

Hi Vic,
Now that I think back a bit, I actually used 3156 hardener with the 908SC. This gives a service temp of probably 180ºF without any serious post-curing needed. The fast 3102 hardener works fine too.

Good luck,
-David

RE: Tooling resin
 

Hi Dave,

I foget to ask, if this resin is fine for mixing in Cabosil or high density filler from west system? Will aluminum power make that resin stronger or do you think its unessary?

RE: Tooling resin
 

The 908SC is already thixotropic (has thickening agents already in it). I really don't think you need to add anything. I guess you could add aluminum to the resin on the actual flanges to strengthen them a little. I never tried that, but it's certainly reasonable.